Why Komen?

Many professionals view board service as a rewarding way to share their skill sets and talents with nonprofits that serve a particular mission that they feel passionately about. This April, Susan G. Komen Orange County will welcome two new prominent leaders to its 2014-2015 board of directors, to help advance its local breast health initiatives. Dr. Robina Smith, breast cancer surgeon and oncology specialist at St. Jude Medical Center, and Joseph Stein, founder of Simply Innovate LLC will join Komen OC’s existing team of esteemed advocates and share how their dedication to Komen’s mission is rooted in their personal experiences with breast cancer.

Dr. Robina Smith

Dr. Smith chose to pursue a fellowship to specialize solely in oncoplastic breast surgery – an innovative surgical technique that combines advanced cancer surgery with plastic surgery techniques. Her mission: to save the lives of women and men affected by breast cancer, and to help them overcome and face any challenges through their journey.

“To be at the forefront of a movement that is changing the lives of women who are often voiceless, is priceless,” stated Dr. Smith.

Dr. Smith is a passionate advocate for the Komen cause and hopes to advance initiatives that help African American women – like herself – receive the treatment and diagnosis they require.

Joseph Stein

At 13 years old, Stein lost his mother to breast cancer. Nearly 15 years ago, he also lost his sister to the disease. During a heart wrenching funeral, he witnessed his sister’s children having to handle the loss of their mother. He feels that no child should have to endure the loss of a parent, and hopes that through Komen’s initiatives, this will one day become a reality. Stein draws hope from the advances being made in breast cancer research funded largely in part by Komen’s efforts, and continues to draw inspiration from friends and family members who have survived the disease.

Each board member at Komen OC possesses a passion and drive necessary in advancing Komen’s mission of serving women and saving lives. We are thrilled to have two dedicated community leaders join the 2014-2015 board of directors and can’t wait to see what the new year holds!

We’re seeking nominations for the 2013 Survivor Awards!

Do you know a breast cancer survivor, co-survivor or breast health advocate who makes a difference in our community and deserves recognition?

Susan G. Komen Orange County invites OC residents to nominate inspiring and dedicated breast cancer survivors, co-survivors and breast health advocates for the 2013 Survivor Awards. Each year, Komen Orange County recognizes three tremendous individuals who are making an impact in the community in the fight against breast cancer.

Each individual falls under one of three categories:

• Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor – a breast cancer survivor in the community who has turned his/her battle into a positive experience by inspiring, assisting, or educating others.
• Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor – family, friends, health care providers or colleagues who are there to lend support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
• Outstanding Breast Health Advocate – a non-survivor who has gone above and beyond his/her job description to volunteers outside the workplace to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors and to educate women in the community.

Nominations must be submitted no later than Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Last year we were honored to recognize Marie La Fargue as our 2012 Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, The Cammack Family as our Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor and Dr. Lisa Guerra as an Outstanding Breast Health Advocate.

For more information and nomination forms visit: http://bit.ly/17NycV0.

The Cammack Family was recognized as our Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor at the 2012 Survivor Awards.

Our 2012 Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, Marie La Fargue with Board Member Sora Park Tanjasiri, Dr.PH, MPH.

Submit Your Nominations for the 2012 Komen for the Cure Awards by May 1

At Komen Orange County, we admire the strength of all those affected by breast cancer. Know someone that represents the Komen fight? We are currently accepting nominations for Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor and Outstanding Breast Health Advocate. Nominations are due no later than May 1, 2012.

More details, including forms and instructions, can be found at http://bit.ly/GNpzeL.

We are all part of one community and together, we grow stronger in the fight to end breast cancer forever. To honor the winners, we will be hosting a “Komen Celebrate Survivors: Footprints to the Promise” luncheon on Sunday, June 10, at Costa Mesa Country Club. Please consider nominating someone for this inspirational and moving celebration.

We are also recruiting 12 breast cancer survivor models for the fashion show. More information and instructions to nominate someone or yourself can be found at http://bit.ly/Izv82z. The deadline to be considered is April 20, 2012.